Belagavi: Continuous heavy rainfall in Maharashtra’s Western Ghats, particularly the Kanakumbi region, has caused the Malaprabha River to swell beyond danger levels, leading to widespread flooding in parts of Karnataka’s Belagavi district.

In Khanapur taluk’s Habanatti village, the famous Shri Maruti Temple has been completely submerged due to the rising waters of the Malaprabha River. The Shiva temple located nearby has also gone under water. Only the temple tower (gopuram) remains visible above the floodwaters, while the sanctum has been inundated with water rising over 10 feet in the past few days.

Massive tree uprooted in city

Meanwhile, in Belagavi city, a huge tree was uprooted near the post office on Railway Station Road due to incessant rains. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. However, the fallen tree temporarily disrupted traffic, causing difficulties for motorists. Belagavi City Corporation officials later cleared the debris to restore normal traffic flow.

Reservoir levels rising rapidly

Due to the relentless rainfall in both Maharashtra and Belagavi, the Hidkal and Malaprabha reservoirs are seeing rapid inflows. Hidkal reservoir alone saw a five-foot increase in water levels in a single day, while the Malaprabha reservoir witnessed a one-foot rise.

The Hidkal reservoir is currently receiving an inflow of 26,000 cusecs of water. Out of its full capacity of 2,175 feet, the current water level stands at 2,130 feet. The Malaprabha reservoir, with a full capacity of 2,079 feet, currently holds water at the 2,056-foot mark, with an inflow of 7,000 cusecs.

Authorities remain on alert as rain is expected to continue over the next few days, with further increases in river and reservoir levels anticipated.